Oh Happy Day!

May this day fill you with joy and hope.

Some past Easter work. A jointed paperclay rabbit ornament dressed in her Easter dress and party ruffles.

A rainbow of colour!

Home Economics Sewing Book Review

Sew A Fine Seam 

by Violet Wilson

Balfour Technical School

Regina, Saskatchewan

Illustrations by Margaret Messer

  Finding this Home Economics sewing textbook from 1955 was like finding buried treasure. This book was written by my mother's Home Ec, teacher and illustrated by the art teacher at the same school. I found it at an antique book shop complete with the previous owner's signature and her receipt for the book. Lois Bristol, if you're out there I have your Home Ec. sewing book! She like almost everyone of her day had incredible penmanship. A technique I unfortunately did not pick up.

 "Sew A Fine Seam" is simply and beautifully illustrated with incredible lithographs. Lines are smooth, colours are simple and the pics just say "hey it's the 50's!", and I love it. The illustrations are easy to understand when giving descriptions.

 Written for grade 9 girls, this book is incredibly complete covering all aspects of garment sewing including how to identify fabrics,designing for body types, colour choices, fitting, altering, and tailoring. One of the most interesting pages found at the beginning of the book is about using the "Burning Test" to identify fabrics. You can tell if a fabric is a mix by unravelling crosswise and lengthwise threads and using the "burn test" by burning the threads individually in a porcelain dish. The odor, ash or speed of burn will tell you what kind of textile you have.

"Sew A Fine Seam" is easy to read and follow for the beginner. I only took grade 8 home ec. However our teacher never showed up half the tme. I was sick for a while and the teacher gave me a "D" for done since I had missed so many classes. Though my work was better than most in the class, she thought my mother did my sewing. So with all the uninspiring events I decided not to take Home Ec. in high school for fear of being labeled little Susie homemaker. Sounds weird but that's what happened. I felt it was far beneath my scientific mind. Looking back, if I was really that smart, I would have taken it for now I find myself in need of the skills that would have been taught. So far I haven't found a book that is its equal written for today with such comprehensive content. The reason for my interest in sewing books was that I had wanted to start making clothes for my bears and wanted a professional finished look. "Sew A Fine Seam" gave me a deeper understanding of the basics of fabrics, sewing and tailoring. This is a must read for those who would like to start sewing or even altering their own clothes. 

 My next sewing book review will be on hierloom sewing. If you have a suggestion for a sewing book review or just have suggested reading for me, just email me or make a comment on this post. I am particularily interested in older text books. Do you still have your Home Ec. sewing book? Tell me about it.

Teddies Worldwide Announcement!

I am pleased to announce that I will be taking part in the Teddies Worldwide Online Show this July. This show has a "bears on parade" theme. I love clown bears so this show should be alot of fun. This will be a chance for you to purchase one of my one of a kind heirloom bears. I will post a teaser pic next month. Hope you can join me!

Cross Eyed Cross Stitch

Finally finnished my first cross stitch pillow I started in January. Such tiny work required magnifying glasses. By the time I was done I felt cross eyed. This cross stitch design is by Not Forgotten Farms. Happy Christmas, late birthday, early Easter Val!

Photoshop Watercolour Art Cards

I decided to start making a collection of art cards of my work that will be available for purchase through my ETSY SHOP.  Seen here is a photo of Pentunia and Jack Rabbit that I did a bit of watercolour treatment in Photoshop CS3 on. You will be able to purchase singles and card packs. There will most likely be a series of rabbits and a series of bears. Look for the cards in a month or so.

A Make Over For Mr. Bing

Mr. Bing got a make over for the Eldred- Droilet wedding on NewYears Eve. Mr. Bing is seen here in his velvet Lord Fontleroy jacket and bow-tie in his room at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC.
Seen below Mr. Bing in his origianl clown outfit.

"Some Bunny To Watch Over You"

A warm loving bunny off to someone in need of comfort. God's speed little bunny!

Victorian Paper Theatre

For Christmas I recieved this Cinderella reproduction Victorian Paper Theatre. Lots of fun to put together. They also give you a card with all the characters lines on it. Seen here is Cinderella and her ugly step sisters. Though I think one of them needs a moustache. I just love the uniqeness of this gift!

A Merry Christmas to You!

Christmas Decorating

Getting into the spirit of Christmas.

16" Belinda is made from fine German Kid mohair, Gentlly antiqued to look old. She has German glass eyes, double lined %100 wool felt paw pads, lightly waxed German pearl cotton nose, growler (tip her forward and back again for sound), excelsior stuffing (frimly packed), She is hand sewn with a high quality upholstery thread with machine reinforced seams. Belinda wears a handmade Victorian style cotton voile white dress that is gently aged with a lovely fabric bow at her waist.

$285 CAD + SHIPPING